Winchester Science Centre, Winchester
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 128
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Christmas
New Forest
Don't be late for a very important date! Alice's Christmas Wonderland is coming to Beaulieu in a brand new festive experience for 2026.
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2027 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Exhibition
Romsey
Talented local textile artists will present a diverse and imaginative range of textile art at Sir Harold Hillier Garden, encompassing both traditional and contemporary techniques and materials.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 29th June 26 including Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm and Finn McMissile.
Festival
Portsea
Coffee on the Coast is a one day specialty coffee festival in Portsmouth, bringing together roasters, industry experts, and coffee lovers.
Run / Rally
Portsmouth
The world's premier 10-mile event returns to Southsea in October 2026.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ampfield, Romsey
Join Sir Sludge on the Sir Harold Hillier spooktacular garden family trail and help restore order in the Land of Decay. Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and meet some delightfully dreadful characters along the way!
Christmas
Winchester
This Christmas, enjoy a festive experience for the whole family. Share a magical moment with Santa and his elves in the historic setting of The Great Hall, home to the iconic Round Table.
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Looking for a great way to get outdoors during the school holidays, with plenty of climbing, balancing and zip-lining to keep the whole family entertained. Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Moors Valley’s…
Christmas
London Road, Whitchurch
Head along to a unique setting for a cinema night, at one of the upcoming festive Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.
Special Events
Whitchurch
Celebrating Heritage Crafts, Creativity and the Colours of Autumn. Over three days, the historic Mill will be transformed with seasonal displays, harvest-inspired decorations and showcases of traditional craftsmanship.
Fireworks
Southampton
Get ready, Southampton... the South Coast’s BIGGEST and most spectacular fireworks night is back for 2026 – and it's going to be an absolute blast! Mayflower Park Fireworks takes place on Saturday 7th November 2026 at Mayflower Park Southampton.
Festival
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Comic Con returns to the Guildhall for 2027 presenting the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment - a fantastic family-friendly day in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Childrens Events
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Something strange is happening at Milestones this October half term. An extraordinary Science Fair is underway in Basingstoke - but it's missing one thing... it needs judges.
Show / Display
Brockenhurst
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.
Food
Whitchurch
Enjoy an afternoon at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, with an upgrade to add a Bombay Sapphire gin cocktail.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Halloween with your family? Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Southampton’s Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this…
Food
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst
Gather your favourite company on 13th December for a classic English tradition with a festive twist.
Conferences
Whiteley
To celebrate the opening of the Hambledon, the newest conference suite at The Solent Hotel and Spa, we're offering our local partners a choice of complimentary add-ons with every qualifying booking of a residential meeting.
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